WASHINGTON: US-Iran war casualties have risen to 774, including 18 deaths and 756 wounded service members, according to Pentagon casualty data released Friday.
The number of wounded troops increased from 697 on Wednesday to 756 on Thursday, a rise of 59, according to the Defence Casualty Analysis System.
The Pentagon did not immediately explain when or where the newly added injuries occurred. Pentagon data divided the casualties between Operation Epic Fury and renewed fighting recorded under “overseas operations”.
Operation Epic Fury, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, accounted for 417 wounded troops and 14 deaths.
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Meanwhile, another 339 wounded personnel and four deaths were classified under overseas operations covering casualties since July 7.
An official previously told the Associated Press that the Pentagon created the second category after Operation Epic Fury ended and large-scale hostilities later resumed.
President Donald Trump notified Congress in July that US forces had resumed hostilities against Iran from July 7.
The administration considers that date the start of a new 60-day period under the War Powers Resolution, although some lawmakers dispute that interpretation.
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Among those killed since fighting resumed were three US soldiers who died in a July 17 attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, according to Stars and Stripes.
A fourth soldier died the following day at Irbil Air Base in Iraq during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone.
The increase in casualties comes as Washington intensifies economic pressure on Tehran after the latest deadline for a peace agreement expired without a deal.
